Providing advice and expertise 3 14 5 We know the profound difference that strong NHRIs have made, especially for vulnerable people, in those countries where they operate. That is why one of our priorities is to assist governments and civil society organisations in the region to establish independent and effective NHRIs. very high high medium low very low no response ANNUAL MEMBER SURVEY 2019: VALUE TO MEMBERS OF PROVIDING ADVICE AND EXPERTISE In May 2019, the APF partnered with the RRRT to conduct a scoping visit to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Building on discussions from a 2017 visit to the country, we met with governments and communities from the four states that make up FSM: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap. They all expressed their strong support to establish an NHRI that would play a practical role at both the national and state levels. We will provide advice and support to the FSM National Government in the coming year as it considers the next steps for establishing an independent NHRI. In addition to our legal drafting and support in 2017–18, the APF provided advice to the Government of Nauru on models of NHRI enforcement mechanisms and complaints-handling functions, which was well received. 1 2 WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2018–19 • Welcomed the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic as an APF member, bringing our membership to 25 NHRIs • Provided support to two APF members seeking international reaccreditation, with the NHRIs of Nepal and Timor Leste retaining their ‘A status’ • Responded to 57 requests for legal advice from APF members, GANHRI, governments, international organisations and civil society ADVISING OUR MEMBERS AND PARTNERS The APF provides specialist legal and policy advice to its members and other stakeholders. In 2018–19, we responded to 57 requests for advice – up from 41 requests in the previous year – from our members and APF Forum Councillors, as well as governments, civil society organisations, international agencies and GANHRI. Our advice ranged from one-off legal policy questions through to complex pieces of work, such as assisting with the development of legislation to establish NHRIs and revising the legal framework for existing APF members. During the year, the APF provided written advice to the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission on proposed reforms to the Commission’s enabling legislation. We also took part in consultations on these reforms with parliamentarians, as well as meeting with key political and civil society stakeholders in country. The APF also supported the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission by writing to the Afghan President to encourage him to finalise the process of appointing new Commissioners and ensure that the NHRI remains strong and effective. A growing number of APF members said they place a ‘very high’ value on our advice and expertise, rising from nine members in 2017–18 to 14 members in the past year. 8 ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS